National Papiamento Day now official

WILLEMSTAD - Minister of Education, Irene Dick declared February 8 as the official “National Papiamento Day”. The Minister announced her intentions last year already. The declaration also stipulates that between February 8 and 21 is the 'National Period for Papiamento'.

February 8 is, according to Dick, of great historical value for Curaçao. On this day in 1958, it was the first time that Papiamento was officially allowed in Parliament. Modesto "Chano" Margaretha then took the lead and decided to speak for the first time Papiamento instead of Dutch at the meeting of the Council of Ministers.

Yesterday Chano Margaretha’s family received a placard bearing this statement.